Sr. Joan’s religious life in Chicago spans more than forty years of dedicated service. Rooted in the leadership of the former MSC U.S. Western Province, her ministry has consistently reflected a deep sense of ecclesial responsibility and Cabrinian vision.
She served the Archdiocese of Chicago as Vicar for Religious, accompanying women and men religious with pastoral care, balance, and wisdom. In that role, she strengthened communion between congregations and the local Church and supported religious communities through times of transition and renewal.
Her commitment to Hispanic and Latina religious sisters led her to become a founding leader and Board Member of AHLMA, fostering spaces of connection, support, and leadership development for sisters navigating intercultural realities within U.S. religious life.
Within the Congregation, Sr. Joan’s impact has been particularly significant. As a General Councilor, she, along with Madre Lina Colombini, MSC, and Sr. Patricia Spillane, MSC, serving as General Superiors, played a decisive role in safeguarding the future of the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, ensuring its preservation as a Cabrinian legacy for humankind. Their leadership was instrumental in the Shrine’s reopening in 2012.
Following the reopening, Sr. Joan served for many years as Board Chair of the Shrine, guiding its governance and strengthening its fidelity to Mother Cabrini’s charism as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, education, and immigrant memory.
She also provided steadfast leadership as Board Chair of St. Anthony Hospital in Chicago, supporting its mission to serve vulnerable and immigrant communities and ensuring that Cabrini’s spirit of compassionate healthcare remained alive in the city.
Throughout every role, Sr. Joan’s leadership has been marked by clarity, steadiness, and a deep love for religious life. Whether serving the Congregation, the local Church, healthcare ministry, or intercultural initiatives, she has consistently embodied a missionary heart rooted in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
As she now begins a new chapter in Dobbs Ferry, we give thanks for her enduring witness. Her life stands as a testament to faithful service, ecclesial communion, and the living charism of Mother Cabrini.
May the Sacred Heart continue to guide her steps. We will miss her here!
The Chicago Community,
Guadalupe Province.
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